Abstract
One of the significant aspects of the learning content in Home Economics in elementary school is comfortable clothing. However, the meaning of comfortable clothing is only briefly dealt with in the curriculum. The previous report defined comfortableness of clothing from the perspective of clothing studies. The clothing microclimate, clothing pressure, and the feel of clothing were discussed as aspects of physiological comfort. Moreover, learning content concerning the feel of comfortable clothing was suggested for further learning. Therefore, the present study developed learning content about the clothing microclimate. Particularly, this is an experiment for facilitating the pupils’ understanding regarding the differences in the water vapor permeability of various fabrics. This method is based on JIS L 1099; A-2 (2012). The results indicate that the water vapor permeability of various fabrics has a close relationship with the chemical property of fibers and the constitutive property of fabrics. The learning content can be combined in this experiment with a sensory evaluation. First, pupils feel the difference between the clothes and the skin in insensible and sensible perspiration. Then, they learn about the moisture permeability of fabrics through this experiment. Thus, it is believed that pupils are able to scientifically understand the relationship between themselves and clothes through practical learning. It is expected that pupils will be able to choose comfortable clothing according to purpose and environmental conditions. It is possible for pupils to construct a sustainable lifestyle by using the educational content proposed here.
